Nader: Congress Should Not Rush Into Another PATRIOT Act

Ralph Nader says that the government should not be stampeded into another PATRIOT Act. (0:53)

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Ralph Nader interview on the need for election reform

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

Former presidential candidate and long time consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader talked with Michael Ruhl to discuss the status of his lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This was immediately following the circuit court argument for Nader vs. DNC. Nader claims that he was harassed and burdened in 2004 presidential election by the DNC, in what he calls "an abuse of the legal process" and malicious prosecution. In this interview, Nader explained background of the case, and the case's current status. He said, "there is no other western democracy that comes close to obstructing voters and obstructing candidates as is the case in our country."

Nader also spoke about the two-party system, and the effect that his case has on future third party candidates in the presidential process. He said that his case is designed to draw boundaries, to make sure that third party candidates can exercise their First Amendment rights. Nader also referred to the issue as one of democracy, because he said in limiting ballot access, one is truly limiting the right of the people to decide who they want to represent them. Nader called for national ballot standards, instead of ballot standards which vary state by state. He also advocated instant runoff voting and public funding of public campaigns.

Nader said that the two-party system is not allowing third parties access to the higher tiers of federal government, and this two-party system is moving gradually to a one-party system, where gerrymandered districts make reelection almost certain for many members of Congress. He called this a system that can be rented by the rich. In spite of the stronghold that the two parties have on the system, Nader said that he has talked with several members of Congress who may be interested in helping to move legislation on election reform. He mentioned by name: John Conyers (D-Mich.), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), and Jessie Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.). He anticipates this reform effort to be difficult, because as he said, "the foxes are guarding the chicken coop." Nader seems ready for a fight.

(08:50)
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"Obama will do anything to get elected"

Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader comments on why liberal and progressive voters will vote for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in the 2008 election. ((0:32)
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Nader says third-party candidates represent majority views

Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader disputes the characterization of "third-party" candidates minority candidates. He says that the majority of the people want them in the presidential debates. Nader was speaking at a press conference on third-party presidential candidates at the National Press Club. (1:07)
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Hemp: "It got mixed up with the marijuana," says Nader

Presidential candidate Ralph Nader says hemp can actually dilute the potency of marijuana if the two plants are grown in close proximity of one another. Nader pushes for legalization of hemp because it can be made into products such as automobile parts.(1:27)
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Nader's unconventional plan: Lock up corporate criminals

Presidential candidate Ralph Nader says corporations are the cause of worker deaths and injuries.(1:21)
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